New Brunswick-based Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) and Saint Peter’s Healthcare System (SPH) have signed an affiliation agreement to enhance medical education, the delivery of healthcare, and research opportunities within the State of New Jersey. Today (July 1, 2014), Saint Peter’s will become a Major Clinical Affiliate with Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, all units within RBHS.

“We look forward to working with Saint Peter’s Healthcare System in a new and exciting way,” says Brian Strom, MD, MPH, chancellor of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences. “The affiliate relationship with Saint Peters will provide enhanced clinical care, expanded educational opportunities, and greater access to clinical trials with the overall goal of continually improving the health of the community.”

The affiliation agreement will include collaboration on fellowship programs, residency rotations and medical school clerkships from primary care to specialty and subspecialty programs and clinical trials. Continuing medical education will be provided by Rutgers.

“Saint Peter’s initiated this affiliation because we believe that by working together and building strong partnerships, Rutgers and Saint Peter’s will best serve the interests of our communities and the State of New Jersey,” said Ronald C. Rak, J.D., president and CEO of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System. “The creation of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences has launched a new era for the advancement of medicine in New Jersey, and Saint Peter’s is thrilled to be a key part of that endeavor.”